Baggie Bird and Albi bid for Bears Mascot Derby glory

Fans have the chance to see our own Baggie Bird and Albi race for the pride of the West Midlands this Friday (May 23) when they take part in the region’s Mascot Derby at Edgbaston Stadium.

During the interval of the Birmingham Bears' first NatWest T20 Blast match of the summer against the Yorkshire Vikings, Baggie Bird and Albi will race on the outfield against Edgbaston’s resident Hugh and Carmen Bear, Villa’s Hercules and Bella, Blues' Beau Brummie, Coventry’s Sky Blue Sam, Walsall’s Swifty and Wolves’ Wolfie and Wendy.

Last year’s race was a close-fought competition with Carmen Bear narrowly beating Wolfie to the line in a photo finish and, following popular demand, this year’s race has been extended to 11 mascots.

Birmingham Bears Director of Cricket Dougie Brown said: “We’ve got five matches on Friday nights in the NatWest T20 Blast and I’m sure it’ll be a great atmosphere when we start the campaign against Yorkshire Vikings.

“The Mascot Derby proved to be a great hit with the supporters of all teams last summer and we hope Albion fans will be able to show their support for Baggie Bird and Albi in their race and help roar us on to a winning start in the tournament.”

The Birmingham Bears' first match against Yorkshire Vikings starts at 6.30pm, with the interval and mascot race happening at around 7.45pm.

The new Friday night experience includes live music, family activities and an even bigger food and drink offering than ever before.

Baggies fans can save £7 on tickets for the Birmingham Bears v Yorkshire Vikings match by purchasing in advance, priced at £15 for adults (£22 on the gate) while under-16s are £5 at all times. Additionally a Double Whammy deal is available for the Bears’ first two NatWest T20 Blast matches on Friday nights, priced at £25.

To purchase tickets to watch the Birmingham Bears in the NatWest T20 Blast, click here or call the Edgbaston Ticket Hotline on 0844 847 1902.